Last week I began my series of CAO reviews with the brand new CAO Gold Vintage Crémant. This week I review the CAO Brazilia Anaconda. The Brazilia line has been one of my longtime favorites from CAO. It doesn't seem to matter what the size is, I'm always pleased with my choice to pick one up and smoke it. The Brazilia Anaconda doesn't disappoint. Originally released as a limited edition in 2004, production of this vitola resumed in 2007. I have rarely seen these locally and in fact the ones I recently had came from a trade with my friend Scott.

Appearance : The Brazilia Anaconda comes in a deep cocoa Brazilian Maduro wrapper. The beautiful wrapper has some light tooth and minimal veining. The wrapper color is very consistent from head to foot. The band displays the colors of the Brazilian national flag, Green, Yellow, Blue & White. The vibrant band is the perfect contrast to the deep solid wrapper.

Construction : The Brazilia Anaconda is very well constructed. The tapers of the perfecto are even and symmetrical. There are no soft or hard spots along the length of the cigar. The cap came off without any issues and the pre-light draw was a perfect medium. The initial light of the tapered perfecto foot was quick and simple. The burn was wavy until it reached the main body of the cigar and from there was sharp. The light grey ash was very firm and only gave after some gentle persuasion.

Flavor : The flavors of the Brazilia Anaconda are some of my favorite. The rich tobacco is layered with chocolate flavors. From beginning to end there is a richness that is distinctly dark chocolate. After the first third there are hints of coffee. This transitions into some spice which delightfully remains the remainder of the cigar. The body was mostly medium-full, and never quite reached the full level that some of the other vitolas achieve.

Value : The CAO Brazilia Anaconda is a tremendous value. For your money you are guaranteed a two-hour (or more) experience. While you may not always have the time to set aside for this size, when you do you are rewarded with excellent flavors & body that will make look forward to the next one.

Overall Rating : This is another definite winner in this extensive blend from CAO. They are worth seeking out and enjoying regularly. I would highly recommend trying one if you haven't already.

The Anaconda is an all-afternoon-on-the-front-porch smoke best accompanied by a cold pitcher of MANGRIA (SunnyD Mango + red vermouth), George Jones and Merle Haggard. The CAO Brasilia Anaconda is a man’s idea of eight inches of pleasure!